Delta 9 Distillate vs RSO vs Honey Oil vs Cherry Oil: What’s the Difference?

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, consumers are faced with an overwhelming number of concentrate options—each with unique properties, potencies, and ideal uses. Among the most commonly discussed are Delta 9 Distillate, RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), Honey Oil, and Cherry Oil. Understanding how these extracts differ in THC content, consistency, color, extraction methods, and usage can help you make an informed choice that matches your needs—whether you’re seeking potent relief, a discreet experience, or a specific consumption method.

Let’s break down each of these popular cannabis extracts and compare them side by side.

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1. Delta 9 Distillate

Overview:

Delta 9 distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract known for its purity and potency. It contains a high concentration of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that gives cannabis its euphoric effects.

THC Content:

Typically ranges from 90% to 99% THC.

Appearance and Consistency:

• Color: Amber to light golden

• Texture: Thick, viscous

• Clarity: Extremely clear and free of plant material

Extraction Method:

Distillate is made through a two-step process: solvent-based extraction followed by fractional distillation, which removes unwanted compounds (chlorophyll, lipids, terpenes, etc.), leaving behind a nearly pure cannabinoid extract.

How to Use:

• Vape cartridges

• Dab rigs

• Edibles (precise dosing possible)

• Topicals (when mixed with carrier oils)

Pros:

• Extremely potent

• Versatile

• Odorless and flavorless (can be flavored with added terpenes)

• Ideal for users seeking clean, strong effects

Cons:

• Lacks natural terpenes unless reintroduced

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2. RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

Overview:

RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a full-spectrum, whole-plant extract originally popularized by cancer survivor Rick Simpson. It is favored by medical users for its rich cannabinoid profile and therapeutic potential.

THC Content:

Ranges from 60% to 70% THC, but can vary depending on the source plant and extraction process.

Appearance and Consistency:

• Color: Very dark brown to almost black

• Texture: Thick, sticky, tar-like

• Clarity: Opaque, contains all plant compounds

Extraction Method:

Typically made using grain alcohol or ethanol to extract the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and lipids from the cannabis plant.

How to Use:

• Orally (in capsules or directly ingested)

• Sublingually (under the tongue)

• Topically (on skin lesions or localized pain)

• Sometimes dabbed, though less common due to harshness

Pros:

• Full-spectrum benefits

• Ideal for medical use

• High in other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, etc.

Cons:

• Harsh flavor and smell

• Difficult to dose precisely

• Not ideal for recreational users seeking only THC effects

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3. Honey Oil

Overview:

Honey oil, sometimes called “hash oil,” is a general term for THC-rich cannabis oil with a honey-like consistency. It’s a broad category that includes products made using various solvents, commonly butane or CO2.

THC Content:

Usually between 70% and 85% THC, depending on how refined it is.

Appearance and Consistency:

• Color: Amber to golden yellow

• Texture: Sticky and thick, similar to real honey

• Clarity: Partially clear, may contain some plant matter

Extraction Method:

Created through butane hash oil (BHO) extraction or CO2 extraction, followed by winterization to remove waxes and fats.

How to Use:

• Dabbing

• Vaping

• Mixing with flower in joints or bowls

• Infusing into edibles

Pros:

• Potent and flavorful

• Retains some natural terpenes

• Easier to handle than some thicker oils

Cons:

• Can contain residual solvents if poorly made

• Quality varies widely by brand and method

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4. Cherry Oil

Overview:

Cherry oil is a red-tinted cannabis extract, named for its color rather than flavor. It’s similar to honey oil but is often less refined and contains more of the original plant matter.

THC Content:

Typically ranges from 60% to 75% THC.

Appearance and Consistency:

• Color: Reddish-brown, often darker than honey oil

• Texture: Sticky, thick, syrup-like

• Clarity: Opaque to semi-opaque

Extraction Method:

Traditionally made using solvent extraction with alcohol or naphtha. Some cherry oils are now made with more modern, cleaner solvents like CO2 or butane.

How to Use:

• Smoking (spread on rolling papers or flower)

• Dabbing (less common due to impurities)

• Edibles (can be infused into butter or oils)

• Topically (occasionally)

Pros:

• Affordable

• Easy to mix with flower

• Strong but not overwhelmingly potent

Cons:

• Often contains more impurities

• Harsh when dabbed

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Side-by-Side Comparison Table

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Which One is Right for You?

Buy Delta 9 Distillate Online:

You want maximum THC potency, a clean experience, and versatile consumption options. It’s ideal for users who prefer vaping, dabbing, or precision-dosed edibles.

Buy RSO Online:

You’re using cannabis for therapeutic or medical reasons, especially for chronic pain, cancer support, or inflammation. RSO is best for those who value a full-spectrum extract and can tolerate a strong, earthy taste.

Buy Honey Oil Online:

You want a potent and flavorful concentrate that retains some natural terpenes. It’s great for dabbing or mixing with flower and provides a well-rounded high.

Buy Cherry Oil Online:

You’re on a budget and looking for a strong but less refined product to enhance your joints or bowls. It’s not ideal for dabbing but works well in traditional smoking formats.

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Final Thoughts

Each cannabis oil has a place in the modern concentrate market, from the clinical precision of Delta 9 distillate to the raw therapeutic power of RSO, and the versatile, flavorful experience of Honey and Cherry oils. The key is to choose based on your goals—whether recreational, medical, or somewhere in between.

As always, make sure you purchase these products from reputable sources, verify lab results, and understand the dosage before consumption. Cannabis concentrates are powerful tools when used responsibly—choose wisely and elevate your experience.